- In working with Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. this milestone verifies the viability of using the FR3 frequency band to make connections between a 5G base station and a next-generation mobile device
- Successful FR3 connection accelerates the 5G-Advanced and 6G device design cycle and the time it takes to bring new devices to market
SANTA ROSA, Calif., – Keysight Technologies, Inc. played a key role in enabling Qualcomm Technologies, Inc. to make the industry’s first end-to-end interoperability and data connection in the FR3 frequency range using the Keysight E7515P UXM 5G Wireless Test Platform and a 5G Qualcomm Technologies mobile test platform (MTP).
5G networks currently use low to mid-band frequencies within Frequency Range 1 (FR1, 410 MHz to 7.125 GHz) and high-band millimeter wave frequencies in Frequency Range 2 (FR2, 24.25 GHz to 71 GHz). The industry is exploring new upper mid-band frequencies for future 5G Advanced and 6G technologies to support growing high-speed data needs. A proposed Frequency Range 3 (FR3, 7.125 GHz to 24.25 GHz) offers broad bandwidths and low attenuation, making it a promising option for cost-effective, high-performance future networks.
Qualcomm Technologies’ successful FR3 interoperability test encompassed User Equipment calibration and RF Non-signaling verification. This was achieved using Keysight UXM E7515P and VXT3 M9416A, facilitated by Qualcomm’s Development Acceleration Resource Toolkit (QDART). Finally, a full-stack data connection was established to assess the feasibility of utilizing the frequency band for network connections between a 5G base station and a next-generation mobile device. The connection was made using Keysight’s 5G network emulation solutions and the Qualcomm Technologies MTP, a smartphone reference design that acts as a proven test device for implementing and verifying the most advanced device features available from Qualcomm Technologies research labs.
The Keysight UXM 5G wireless test solution is a highly-integrated signaling test platform with multiformat stack support, rich processing power, and abundant radio frequency (RF) resources. Supporting 3GPP Release 15 and beyond, the UXM 5G wireless test solution enables engineers to establish a 5G call with a device under test in different 5G New Radio deployment modes.
Tingfang Ji, Vice President of Engineering at Qualcomm Wireless Research, Qualcomm Technologies. said: “Qualcomm Technologies is grateful for Keysight’s support in assisting Qualcomm Technologies to create groundbreaking solutions that empower device manufacturers to accelerate innovations in the next generation of wireless communications. This industry-first milestone will accelerate the design and deployment of the 5G-Advanced and 6G devices.”
Lucas Hansen, Vice President of Keysight’s Wireless Devices and Operators, said: “In our support of Qualcomm Technologies, Keysight is expediting the market entry of next-generation mobile devices through an industry-first FR3 data connection. Keysight’s cutting-edge emulation solutions uniquely enable chipsets and device makers to validate their devices for the new era of technology. This achievement will accelerate the 5G-Advanced and 6G device design cycle and the time it takes to bring new devices to market.”
